Although the process is not yet over (we still have to finalize employment agreements), the unanimous Durango City Council decision to offer this position to Jose Madrigal is a giant step forward and deserves recognition.
The council decision was made only after a thorough search process that had to be adapted and refined in order to proceed in an equitable and transparent manner, despite the constraints of the pandemic. I thank Mayor Dean Brookie for his many efforts facilitating the coordination and timing of events and processes. I thank all city councilors for their time, energy and due diligence as they reviewed candidates, participated in interviews and selected finalists.
I also want to thank the residents for their valuable input. We had significant community involvement in the Virtual Meet and Greet, and an enormous amount of feedback from residents.
A special word of appreciation to Amber Blake, our current interim city manager, for her consistent commitment to serving our community. She has provided exemplary leadership during a difficult time of transition. Her tireless efforts on behalf of the city continue to this day.
And I thank you again, residents of Durango, for giving me the opportunity to participate as your city councilor in such a critically important decision for Durango.
Melissa YoussefDurango